#68 • 1973 Iditarod Dog Sled Race - Dick Wilmarth Champion Award

Part of September 2024 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $700.00

Status: Sold

Category: Alaskana

An important and one of a kind Alaskan treasure, this presentation trophy was awarded to Dick Wilmarth (1942-2018) for his incredible feat of winning the inaugural Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race with his lead dog, Hotfoot, as they raced 1049 miles from Anchorage to Nome over a period of 20 days, 49 minutes, and 4 seconds in March of 1973. The piece, carved from wood, features a musher and sled led by a trio of husky dogs; a plaque is affixed to the lower center. Measures approximately 21.5" x 7" x 12.5" tall. While history has become murky, it is believed the carving was given shortly after the conclusion of the 1973 race, in addition to the iconic silver trophy that remains an annual staple.  The backside is signed "John Wainwright, Kotzebue, AK."